Nouakchott

[nwahk-shot] /nwɑkˈʃɒt/

noun

1.

a city in and the capital of Mauritania, on the W coast.

Mauritania

[mawr-i-tey-nee-uh] /ˌmɔr ɪˈteɪ ni ə/

noun

1.

Official name Islamic Republic of Mauritania. a republic in W Africa, largely in the Sahara Desert: formerly a French colony; a member of the French Community 1958–66; independent 1960. 418,120 sq. mi. (1,082,931 sq. km).

Nouakchott

the capital of Mauritania, near the Atlantic coast: replaced St Louis as capital in 1957; situated on important caravan routes. Pop: 559 000 (2002 est)

Mauritania

/ˌmɒrɪˈteɪnɪə/

noun

1.

a republic in NW Africa, on the Atlantic: established as a French protectorate in 1903 and a colony in 1920; gained independence in 1960; lies in the Sahara; contains rich resources of iron ore. Official language: Arabic; Fulani, Soninke, Wolof, and French are also spoken. Official religion: Muslim. Currency: ouguiya. Capital: Nouakchott. Pop: 3 437 610 (2013 est). Area: 1 030 700 sq km (398 000 sq miles) Official name Islamic Republic of Mauritania